Evolving business
OVER the last two years, The Norfolk Sofa Factory has evolved tremendously by listening to it's customers and identifying other products areas for the home that people want on the same fundamental basis as “See it…Love it…Have it TODAY…. We now stock, in serious quantity, unusual but desirable solid wood furniture that can be delivered on a same day basis also”.
For those who have not yet been to The Norfolk Sofa Factory, the one thing that most people react to is the size of the premises at Bergen Way and the vast choice on offer.
Indeed comments like:
- “…we had no idea you had so many to choose from…”
- “…we didn’t realise you did so many other lovely things as well as sofas…”
- “…we always drive past thinking we must call in, and we had no idea now we are here what we were missing…”
You can now find exciting and unusual products not found anywhere else in Norfolk. From 2.5 metre twisted rattan lamps to carved root tables. Even 2 metre carved root faces or hand made lamps from Thailand. The company now prides itself on unique pieces of furniture from India, Indonesia and Thailand, sourced and imported directly by Mark himself so the values are as you would expect. “By sourcing and importing myself, it cuts out all the costs of agents and middlemen from these countries” says Mark.
Family business
MARK Mills has put a wealth of knowledge into The Norfolk Sofa Factory, which is very much a family concern and run with his mother, Barbara Taylor. He learned about the business literally from the ground up - having joined a large national furniture manufacturing operation straight from school and started by sweeping the floor. “I spent five years learning the trade, and at the age of 23 set up my own manufacturing business, which, by early 2005, had built up a turnover of £15 million a year, employed 350 people and supplied sofas to big name outlets such as Habitat, John Lewis Partnership and Sofa Workshop.”
Mark spent years travelling between his Norfolk home and his factories in Wales. This, and the changes in manufacturing in the UK, prompted him to sell in Wales and open The Norfolk Sofa Factory in King's Lynn. “I can spend more time with my family now, and commuting to Wales twice a week took its toll. My old business in Wales is still going strong and supplies the likes of Marks and Spencer and Furniture Village. It's a great feeling to know that what you started 15 years ago is still a strong manufacturing business and supported the lives of so many families for all these years. I would be delighted if The Norfolk Sofa Factory gets to be as strong a business and has the same longevity.”
